School’s out, but that doesn’t mean your child’s learning has to stop. The summer is a great time to work on subjects your child may have struggled with. For children with ADHD, one of the biggest challenges is reading. Their short attention spans and inability to focus make it difficult to read more than a few sentences on a page.
In this guide, we will help you set up a summer reading program for ADHD treatment so your child is ready for the upcoming school year.
Make Books A Prominent Part Of Your Home
There are plenty of ways to get books for your child. You could buy them from a used book store or check them out for free at the library. You could also talk to other parents about sharing books over the summer, which you could exchange during playdates. The goal here is to make books seem like a normal part of the day – they’re always around and they’re always accessible. This plants the seed that reading is a “normal” activity and may encourage your child to start reading on his or her own.
Create A Family Reading Schedule
Reading should be part of family time. Instead of watching three shows at the end of the night, watch two and spend the remaining time reading a book together. If your child is nervous about reading in front of you, alternate who reads what. For instance, you may read a page and have your child read the next page. If your child is reading chapter books, you may read a chapter and have him read a chapter. You could also plan for 1-2 chapters a night and alternate who reads each night.
The possibilities are endless. By staying involved with your child’s reading, you make the process seem less like learning and more like fun. If you can maintain a positive attitude toward reading during the school year, your child will be set for success.
Set A Good Example – Read In Front Of Your Kids
Children want to follow in their parents’ footsteps. If they see you reading, they will naturally want to read more. Look over the morning newspaper or read a book at night before bed. You may be surprised by how much you enjoy it!
Avoid Electronic Reading Devices
You can read books on tablets, e-readers, and smartphones, but that is not ideal for ADHD treatment. The screens on electronic devices reduce a child’s ability to focus, even if they are reading an e-book. Encourage your child to read physical books as much as possible. You could make a weekly trip to the library to pick out a new set of books. It’s a fun activity for the whole family.
Talk To Your ADHD Counselor
Your child’s ADHD counselor may have even more tips and tricks for you. Your counselor understands your child’s unique symptoms and personality. He or she can help you make a plan for your child’s summer reading program. Relax and have fun over the next few months, but don’t forget to add a little education into the mix. It will do wonders for your child when the fall comes.